Micheál O'Muircheartaigh

The GAA would like to extend its gratitude and acknowledge the pending retirement of long standing Gaelic Games commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh before his last GAA All-Ireland final assignment on Sunday.

Although the Dún Síon man will take up a position in the commentary box for both of the International Rules tests against Australia in October, Sunday's football final meeting of Cork and Down will be his last All-Ireland final.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana lauded the unique and hugely significant contribution of a man indelibly linked to our games and wished him well when he does hang up his microphone.

He said: "As if Sunday's football final prospect wasn't enticing enough there is the added attraction of being able to say that you were in Croke Park or that you listened to what will be the last final commentary of a legendary broadcaster.

"The quality and attraction of his commentaries on such a regular and consistent basis down through the years mean his lyrical descriptions are woven into the fabric of our games.

"His undimmed passion for football, hurling and camogie and all the trappings of our big occasions, have entertained the masses across the airwaves and have brought the action from Croke Park, Thurles, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Clones, Castlebar and so many other venues into homes and centres where Irish people gather right around the world.

"He is synonymous with the ebb and flow of our matches and the unique relationship he forged with both players and managers, who held him in such high regard, provided him with a unique insight.

"People often wondered on the retirement of Micheál Ó Hehir how he would be replaced in the commentary box? I think we are entitled to ponder over whom it is that will attempt to fill Micheál's shoes when his commentary duties end.